Tours

Upper Mustang Trek

Description

Nestled peacefully in between the majestic Himalayas and Tibet, Upper Mustang is a world of its own best described as a mountainous desert. Alongside the sandy banks of Kaligandaki River, the Upper Mustang Trek leads along the barren landscape stretches endlessly with the ancient capital of Lo Manthang right at its center. Owing to the geography the region was highly secluded from rest of the world and also had an official King up until recent times. A region rich in history and culture where much remains to be known and while barren landscapes surround the region guarded by dry mountains the perseverance of the local people can teach a lesson for life.

The journey begins for the heart of the nation right at Kathmandu touring the UNESCO heritages before heading towards Pokhara. The trailhead lies at Jomsom, from where we head towards the sacred site of Kagbeni. Many devotees head to Kagbeni to perform final rites for the departed souls of their ancestors during the months of September and October. The Upper Mustang Trek enters the barren landscapes as we begin our trek to the hamlet of Chele continuing to reach Syangboche. With barren mountains guiding our way we continue towards Lo Manthang crossing the hamlets of Ghami and Tsarang on the way. The next day gives us ample time to explore Lo Manthang including premium locations like the King’s palace, monasteries, and also to interact with the local people. The trail gradually retraces towards the hamlet of Dhakmar. Gradually beginning our descent takes us to Ghiling and then onto Chhuksang which is also the exit point of Upper Mustang. While the hamlets often seem to be detached from each other, each one of them makes up for a part while tracing the lands in the Upper Mustang Trek.

We, here at Epic Adventure Treks, pride ourselves in client satisfaction and providing quality services. While trekking in the Mustang is relatively easy it can be arduous especially if you have no idea what to expect. So, why don’t you leave the task of managing small details to us and enjoy the Upper Mustang Trek to the fullest?

Cost raised by flight cancelation, emergency rescue charges , landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, re-routing etc which are not under our control

Personal Travel Insurance

Important Note: Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Epic Adventures. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – 1,300m/4,264 ft

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Today we will spend time resting and exploring the local areas around the hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

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Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek

Today, we will head out to explore Kathmandu city. Kathmandu is an ancient city with heritages that can be traced back to 167BC. Over the course of history, the city has been ruled by multiple dynasties, the influence of which can be seen in the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city. We will visit temples such as the Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath along with the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Meanwhile, we will also prepare the essentials for the upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6 hrs drive

Today, we will drive to Pokhara and get the first glimpse of the countryside life. We will be making this journey through winding roads alongside fast flowing rivers such as the Trishuli and Marshyangdi. We will also occasionally get sneak peeks of the Himalayas rising above the lush green hills. On reaching the beautiful city of Pokhara, we will check in to the hotel and spend rest of the evening among the multiple restaurants and enjoy the nightlife by the shores of Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel.

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Day 4: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]: 3-4 hrs

Today, early in the morning, we will take our flight to Jomsom and witness a complete switch in the landscape. The flight from Pokhara to Jomsom will take you above the snow-capped Himalayas and the many river valleys cut by fast flowing rivers. Jomsom is a small town located in the banks of the fierce Kali Gandaki River. From Jomsom, we will walk to Kagbeni, which is an oasis in a cold dessert setting. Prepare for fierce winds in both Jomsom and Kagbeni. Overnight in Kagbeni.

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Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs

We wake up to the view of barren hills in Kagbeni, a small village sitting on the banks of the fierce Kali Gandaki River. From here, we will follow the stone paved paths to reach Chele. Fighting cold fast winds, we will slowly ascend enjoying the views of breathtaking dry mountains. Deep canyons, small villages, and valleys can be seen on this trail as we cross many suspension bridges. Overnight in Chele.

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Day 6: Chele to Syangboche [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs

To arrive in Syangboche in daylight, we will leave Chele early in the morning. Here, we meet the first steep climb of our trek. Today we will be crossing two passes which are Taklam La (3624m) and Dajori La (3753m). We will later descend and cross Samar village and finally climb a ridge before reaching Syangboche. Overnight in Syangboche.

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Day 7: Syanbochen to Ghami [3520m/11,546ft]: 5-6 hrs

The journey to Ghami begins with crossing Syangboche La Pass (3850m). We will pass multiple small villages with Tibetan influence and teahouses. We will be crossing beautiful forests and various crop fields with people in traditional clothes working in it. After crossing Nyi La Pass (4010m), we will trek down to the village of Ghami, a whitewashed village filled with colorful Chortens. Overnight in Ghami.

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Day 8: Ghami to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs

We will cross the longest Mani wall of Mustang situated above Ghami village and make our way to Charang. Many structures of Tibetan religious, spiritual, and cultural significance can be seen on our path today. Gompas of brilliant colors adorned with prayer flags pave the entrance to the village of Charang. In the evening, we will visit the 400 years old monastery of the Gelup Sect in Charang. Overnight in Charang.

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Day 9: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs

We will cross the bridge over Charang Khola and ascend on a quiet and solitary trail via Sungda Chorten alongside a small stream. While we take many ascends and descends, the excitement of reaching the beautiful walled capital of Lo grows continuously. Upon reaching Lo La Pass (3950m), we will be able to get a stunning view of the city of Lo which is cozily nestled in the lap of colorful dessert mountain. We pass a small monastery as we enter Lo Manthang. Overnight in Lo.

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Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang

Lo Manthang being the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo has many palaces and fortress for us to see. Surrounded by walls and many Gompas, this cozy little village sits comfortably in the stark grey dry background giving it a different sense of grandeur. The Tibetan and Buddhist influence being displayed from the multiple gompas and prayer walls give Lo-Manthang a peaceful and serene setting. Lo Manthang also houses the sky caves which are the tombs of the ancient people of the region. The whitewashed houses and the King’s palace built in around 1400 AD is the major attraction of the Kingdom of Lo. We can also hike up to get the better view of the village. Overnight in Lo.

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Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7 hrs

Taking an alternative route, we will move towards Dhakmar today. We will descend amid the dry mountains before ascending to Chogo La Pass (4280m). We then follow the desert trails to reach Ghar Gumpa, which is one of the most sacred monasteries in Upper Mustang. The monastery houses scriptures of Padmasambhava and is believed to carry the pure virtue of Lo Nying Sect. Afterward, we will descend to Dhakmar via Mui La Pass (4170m) for the overnight stay.

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Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs

Mostly descending today, we will make our way to Ghiling. Strong winds are likely to make this trek difficult so it is pivotal that we maintain balance. Following the dry desert type landscape, we make our way with the views of barren mountains keeping us in good faith and motivated. We cross a Mani wall and the passes of Ghami La (3765m) and Nyi La (4010m) to arrive in Ghiling. Overnight in Ghiling.

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Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs

Crossing small villages, we pass through the similar sandy landscape to the village of Chhuksang. Apple trees line the way with thick walled houses and stone paved paths as we walk on the riverbed of Mustang Khola. Upon reaching, overnight in Chhuksang.

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Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft]: 6-7 hrs

Today as we make our way to Jomsom through the riverbed of Kali Gandaki River, we feel the change in the landscape. We will walk alongside apple and apricot trees on stone paved streets. It almost feels as if we are walking in some old age village untouched by time. We can explore the windy town upon arrival. Overnight in Jomsom.

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Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara

Today we will bid farewell to the beautiful windy town of Jomsom and take a flight back to the city of Pokhara. This flight is a good time to reflect upon the journey we just completed. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the rest of the day can be spent relaxing by the lakeside. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara.

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Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Today after breakfast, we will take the familiar road back to Kathmandu enjoying the view of the rivers, the hills, and the roadside settlements. In Kathmandu, you can explore the nearby markets and eateries to get a good taste of the capital city. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

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Day 17 : Departure

Farewell! Our representative will drop you at the airport for your scheduled flight back home.